Mapping Mozambique's Agriculture: Technology, Challenges, and the Road to Progress

The study explores Mozambique's vast agricultural potential, revealing only 12% of its land is cultivated despite supporting 70% of the population, due to systemic challenges like poor infrastructure, weak markets, and low productivity. Using remote sensing and lessons from global successes, it advocates for strategic investments to transform agriculture into a driver of economic growth and poverty alleviation.

Research led by Kelsee Bratley and Alexis Meyer-Cirkel under the International Monetary Fund (IMF), supported by the Swiss State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO) and the Digital Earth Africa (DEA) initiative, delves into Mozambique's agricultural landscape. Using cutting-edge remote sensing technology, the study highlights the country’s vast agricultural potential alongside the systemic issues that constrain its development. Advanced mapping techniques reveal that only 12% of Mozambique's land is actively farmed, even though agriculture supports over 70% of the population and significantly contributes to the economy. The disparity between abundant natural resources and low productivity underscores the critical challenges the country faces, such as poor infrastructure, weak input markets, and financial constraints.

Systemic Challenges to Agricultural Growth

Mozambique’s agricultural sector is plagued by several interrelated issues that hinder its progress. Infrastructure deficits, including inadequate rural roads, limited irrigation, and insufficient electricity access, restrict farmers' ability to reach markets and use advanced farming methods. Furthermore, underdeveloped input markets exacerbate the problem, with low fertilizer usage and high costs creating barriers for smallholder farmers. Weak commercialization structures limit farmers' access to larger and more profitable markets, while financial constraints, such as limited credit availability and a lack of agricultural insurance, prevent investments in productivity-enhancing technologies. These challenges not only suppress the sector’s potential but also perpetuate Mozambique's reliance on food imports to meet domestic consumption needs.

Lessons from Global Agricultural Successes

Drawing on global examples, the study situates Mozambique’s challenges within the broader context of agricultural transformation. The Green Revolution, which revolutionized agriculture in countries like Mexico, India, and Brazil, offers valuable lessons. In Mexico, Norman Borlaug’s introduction of high-yield, disease-resistant wheat varieties turned the country into a net exporter of wheat. Similarly, India achieved food self-sufficiency within a decade by adopting high-yield rice and wheat varieties alongside improved irrigation and government support. Brazil transformed its agricultural landscape by developing innovative farming techniques, such as no-till farming and precision agriculture, and by promoting policies that encouraged investment in rural infrastructure. These success stories underscore the importance of strategic investments in technology, irrigation, and policy reform to boost agricultural productivity.

Remote Sensing: A Transformative Tool for Agriculture

One of the study's most significant contributions is its use of advanced remote sensing technology to map Mozambique's agricultural land. By leveraging Sentinel-2 satellite imagery and machine learning algorithms, the research provides a detailed, accurate view of land use across the country. The analysis reveals that agricultural activity is heavily concentrated in provinces like Nampula, Zambezia, and Tete, while large tracts of arable land remain underutilized. Despite its high accuracy, the mapping process faced challenges, particularly in distinguishing smallholder plots from similar land features such as grasslands. Nevertheless, remote sensing offers a powerful tool to address data gaps, improve policy planning, and monitor climate-related challenges, such as floods and droughts, that threaten agricultural resilience.

Charting a Path Forward for Mozambique

The study concludes with a clear call to action for Mozambique to prioritize agricultural development as a cornerstone of its economic strategy. It highlights the critical need for investments in rural infrastructure, including roads, irrigation systems, and electricity, to improve connectivity and productivity. Addressing underdeveloped input markets by making fertilizers and modern farming tools more accessible is also essential. Additionally, reforms in market structures and financial systems could enable smallholder farmers to integrate into larger value chains and access credit for investments in their farms. With over 70% of the population relying on agriculture for their livelihoods, improving productivity in this sector offers a direct pathway to poverty alleviation and economic growth.

The study emphasizes the importance of a coordinated effort involving government, international donors, and the private sector to overcome these challenges. Lessons from the Green Revolution highlight the transformative potential of strategic investments in agriculture, and Mozambique is well-positioned to replicate similar success. By leveraging remote sensing technology for ongoing monitoring and decision-making, Mozambique can address data gaps and develop adaptive strategies to enhance agricultural resilience in the face of climate change. With its vast agricultural potential, Mozambique has the opportunity to transition from a net food importer to a regional agricultural powerhouse, improving the livelihoods of millions and driving sustainable development in the process.